International Box Office: Taken 2 could cross $300 million worldwide

October 18, 2012 - By Alex

Taken 2 had another great weekend around the world, maintaining a strong lead while overtaking its predecessor. Meanwhile Ted became Universal Pictures’ biggest hit internationally so far in 2012, not to mention breaking a record.

Taken 2 keeps on delivering the greens with $45 million this time, down just 18% for an international total of $134.8 million, way ahead of the $81.8 million Taken had at the end of its run. A week ago I said Taken 2 was on its way to finish north of $160 million, now I’m telling you it could very well break the $200 million mark, which is insane. That guarantees at the very least $320 million worldwide (currently has $224.4 million, just inches from the $226.8 million of Taken) and most likely another sequel, even though Liam Neeson’s character specifically said he was “tired of this” at the end of Taken 2.

Another big hitter is Ted in 2nd place with $14.4 million for a new total of $251 million internationally. That’s all very nice but what’s even better is a worldwide gross of $469.5 million which makes Ted the most successful original R-rated comedy of all time (unadjusted for inflation). The Hangover used to hold that record with $467.5 million and hopefully Ted 2 (which we know will happen) will be better than The Hangover Part 2 was.

Hotel Transylvania is the new animated flick making the rounds this month, now with $14 million. So far the film has $49.6 million internationally and $153.4 million worldwide. Very good so far for an $85 million film.

Spanish super-production The Impossible, starring Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts (yes, the film was shot in English) came in 4th with $11.6 million ($13.3 million including previews). All of that money comes from the film’s record breaking Spanish opening. The Impossible comes out in North America on December 21st.

Rounding out the top 5 was Looper with $11 million, bringing its international total somewhere around $75 million with $127.5 million worldwide. So far Looper has already grossed more than 4x its $30 million budget, which is a great result for a great film.

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“The Impossible” starring Naomi Watts, and Ewan Mcgregor, is going to be a winner.